SIB trailer modification

[MattD]

Hi,

I have a snipe inflatable trailer and I'm starting to think it would be much better if it had multiple rollers instead of duel skids on each side. Launch can be difficult and recovery is a pain in the arse. Looking at how the trailer is constructed it all seems pretty moduar, so how much money and effort would be required to mount about 8 rollers on each side where the skids are located? It's like these http://www.snipetrailers.com/products5A.html

In an ideal world you would be able to wind the transom support up and down but for now I would settle for being able to roll the boat off and drag it back on!

[Trailer Guy]

Easy to do, but just be careful if you've a soft hull - rollers don't spread the weight nearly as much as a full length bunk and if they snag your floor you'll be cursing (and sinking )

[MattD]

Thanks, if it might end up damaging the hull I think I'll try fitting guide posts first and see if that makes recovery less hassle.

[BumbleAbout]

Matt - is launching & recovery difficult because you do not have your trailer deep enough in the water (bunk trailers generally need to be submerged more than roller trailers) ?

A SIB should be floated on and off a bunk trailer since the bunks present far more friction than a set of rollers. I second the advice from Trailer Guy that rollers would be a bad idea too.

[MattD]

The trailer needing to go in so far to float the boat back on is one of the problems. But go too far and it slides back off or moves so it's not supported correctly, not far enough and you have the friction issue.

I get on ok with it on river slips (the bunks half in and half out does the trick, the back floats and I lift the front) but when you add a bit if water movement and the tide rising or falling into the mix it can become a right pain. I'm hoping guide posts will eliminate the movement and alignment issues... Might make the process a bit less stressful!

[Fenlander]

I think side guides are the answer too. Inflatables blow about so much they are a pain to recover to trailer unless sea and wind are calm. Are you single or double handed?

[MattD]

Mostly double handed. Been trying to find cheap guide poles but no luck so far 100 quid up seems a bit steep for metal poles with some plastic on them

[Trailer Guy]

white, waste drain pipe (like from your sink to your drain). Cheap, lightweight, but fairly sturdy and you can get 90 degree angles. If you measure up you may find some around the same diameter as a jockey wheel clamp (common sizes of these are 34, 42 and 48mm), then you can fix it to the back easily and remove when you're towing.

Might be talking out my 4rse, but it's a thought!

[MattD]

Thanks, will look into that. Worth a try.

[Peter_C]

Trailer guides are very nice to have. The type with a board going between two poles will make it even easier to get the boat on the trailer square. Like this...



Wish I had a set, but the Speed Tubes on my boat do a decent job of centering it.

[MattD]

Looks a bit expensive, but would solve the problem. Thanks the input. Will have a look about and see how much.